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Rewards updates

The rule changes worth knowing about.

We monitor the official issuer and programme pages, and a person checks every item against that source before it appears here. No personal figures on this page — your own impact is worked out inside the app.

Upcoming
British Airways Club
BA Amex Premium Plus
Effective 7 Oct 2026

BA Amex Premium Plus earn rates change on 7 October

From 7 October 2026, the card’s earn rate changes to 1.25 Avios per £1 on both general and qualifying British Airways spend. Until then, the published rates remain 1.5 Avios per £1 on general spend and 3 Avios per £1 with British Airways.

What this changes

The £15,000 Companion Voucher threshold remains separate. This change reduces the ordinary Avios earned on spend, so Travel Upgrade applies the new rate only from its effective date.

Verified against American Express UKReviewed 17 Aug 2026

Entry 1
Upcoming
British Airways Club
BA Amex Premium Plus
Effective 7 Oct 2026

BA Amex adds a limited-time route to 2,500 tier points

Eligible cardmembers who enrol can earn 750 tier points at £15,000 spend, 1,500 tier points at £20,000 and 2,500 tier points at £25,000. Enrolment closes 25 January 2027 and qualifying spend must be completed by 1 February 2027.

What this changes

This is time-limited and only counts if you have actually enrolled. Travel Upgrade does not record your enrolment, so it will not put a figure on this or change your plan — check the offer and never spend more to reach it.

Verified against American Express UKReviewed 17 Aug 2026

Entry 2
Now in effect
Hilton Honors
Effective 15 Jul 2026

Hilton’s 2026 elite ladder now includes Diamond Reserve

Hilton’s current member-benefits page lists Gold at 25 nights, 15 stays or US$6,000 eligible spend; Diamond at 50 nights, 25 stays or US$11,500; and Diamond Reserve at 80 nights or 40 stays plus US$18,000 eligible spend.

What this changes

Hilton's tiers combine nights, stays and eligible spend. Travel Upgrade does not hold your nights and stays, so it will not calculate a personal outcome here — re-check the target tier and its benefits yourself.

Verified against Hilton HonorsReviewed 17 Aug 2026

Entry 3
Now in effect
British Airways Club
Effective 1 Apr 2026

BA expands flight tier-point bonuses from 1 April

British Airways now awards extra tier points by cabin and fare type on eligible BA-marketed flights, and extends extra tier-point earning to eligible American Airlines- and Iberia-marketed flights. Basic Economy fares, Reward Flights and Avios upgrades are excluded.

What this changes

The fare type and marketing carrier now matter as well as the cabin, and Travel Upgrade does not hold those for your bookings — so it will not estimate a tier-point total. Re-check projected status earning before booking.

Verified against British AirwaysReviewed 17 Aug 2026

Entry 4
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Information only, not financial advice. Sign in to see which of these touch your own cards and programmes — matched literally against your wallet, never inferred.

Industry watch

Travel stories on our radar

Editorial context only. These stories do not change valuations, balances or optimiser rules.

Review the terms
DeltaHyattStatus

Delta and Hyatt announce a new loyalty partnership

Announced 9 September, the exclusive relationship launches in the coming months. At launch, Delta Medallion members are expected to earn miles on qualifying Hyatt stays and World of Hyatt elites points on qualifying Delta fare classes, with further eligibility and terms still to come.

Why it matters

This could be useful for travellers holding status in either programme, but linked accounts, eligible stays or fares, status matching and value should not be inferred until final terms exist.

Published 9 Sept 2026Reviewed 17 Sept 2026

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Industry context
AirlinesPremium cabinsAmerican Airlines

American’s 777 retrofit shifts the premium-cabin balance

American is retrofitting its 20 Boeing 777-300ERs. Premium seats rise from 116 to 144, with 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats with privacy doors, 44 Premium Economy seats and 30 Main Cabin Extra seats. Flagship First is removed, with completion expected during 2027.

Why it matters

This is part of the wider airline premium-cabin arms race. More premium seats changes the shape of long-haul inventory, but does not guarantee reward-seat availability.

Published 2 Sept 2026Reviewed 17 Sept 2026

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Historic context
AviosAmerican ExpressTransfers

30% Amex-to-Avios transfer bonus ends 27 September

Eligible American Express Membership Rewards transfers to Avios receive a 30% bonus through 27 September 2026. For example, 10,000 Membership Rewards points would become 13,000 Avios if the member is eligible.

Why it matters

Transfers are generally irreversible. Confirm the offer in your own account and preferably identify award availability before transferring. Travel Upgrade does not value this automatically or change balances.

Published 4 Aug 2026Reviewed 17 Sept 2026Ends 27 Sept 2026

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